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It is hot outside. If you’re sweating and uncomfortable in your light summer clothes, you can’t help but worry about your cat. He’s practically wearing a fur coat in the middle of summer!

You may think that shaving your cat’s fur off for the summer will help him beat the heat. Before you try that, we have news for you: most experts agree that shaving your cat is not a good idea.

Here’s why:

Your cat’s fur is designed to keep him warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Your kitty’s fur is different from your hair. The ASPCA compares your cat’s fur to your home’s insulation: it traps the heat inside the house during the cold months, and keeps the house from overheating during hotter times.

Cats are also smaller than you. That means they have less surface area, so they’re naturally better at keeping themselves cool.

Cats are great at beating the heat on their own.

You know how during the winter your cat will find that one single warm sunspot in your house? She’ll do the same in the summer. Cats are mobile and will seek out shady spots on their own when it’s hot.

Many cats also shed more fur during the summer, losing the warmer “downy” winter fur from under their regular fur.

Shaving your cat can cause problems for him.

Shaving your cat can leave him at higher risk of getting sunburns, since you’re leaving his normally protected skin exposed to the harsh rays of the sun. Shaving can also lead to ingrown hairs, which can in turn cause irregular fur growth and skin problems, all bad news for your kitty.

Still, not all cats are designed to withstand heat. Some cats, especially long-haired cats, can’t handle intense heat. If your cat is showing signs of distress during the summer, what can you do to help ease some of that heavy coat your cat is carrying around?

You can trim your cat’s fur.

You might not be able to shave your cat’s fur, but you can definitely trim it! Don’t trim too close though, or the skin will still be exposed to sunlight and potential ingrown fur. Better yet, have a professional take care of it! Give your cat a kitty haircut at the groomer’s.

After all, you like to look good for the summer. Why not let your cat be stylish too?